Clarifying the role of a QTP

Queensland’s Electrical Safety Office (ESO) has been working with the state’s Electrical Licensing Committee to publish guidance information for contractors and qualified technical persons (QTPs), which clarifies the functions and role of a QTP. All electrical work performed by a licensed electrical contractor must be performed or supervised by a QTP who is endorsed on the contractor licence.

The QTP’s role is to ensure electrical contractors can safely comply with the legal obligations for the work they are doing. Sometimes the QTP is the electrical contractor who operates the business as a sole operator; in other cases, they are one of several employees of a larger company. Each electrical contractor may have a different approach to their business structure, depending on their own circumstances.

A QTP can support the business by supervising the work to be completed and ensuring it meets Australia’s electrical standards. They can also oversee the training of electrical workers or apprentices to ensure their work and performance is up to scratch and induct new workers into the business.

The role of a QTP is often around the quality assurance of the work being done. They need to stay up to date with standards, legislation and codes of practice, as well as being aware of products that have been recalled to avoid installing items that may have to be replaced later. They also have a role to ensure new technologies and safety management systems are implemented with safety in mind to avoid the potential for a serious injury or fatality.

A QTP is a valuable business asset. To help them do their job, they will need adequate time and support to implement safety controls, systems of work and risk registers. In return, they help the business avoid expensive pitfalls and serious incidents.

For more information, visit the Electrical Safety Office website here.